Translated books continued to captivate Vietnamese audiences in 2024, dominating nearly 50% of nominations for the National Book Awards. These works, drawn from global knowledge and culture, offer profound insights and inspiration. Here are five standout titles that resonated deeply with readers this year.

"Atomic Habits - by James Clear 

James Clear’s Atomic Habits is a guide to building positive habits and optimizing life’s routines through small, consistent changes.

The author’s personal journey of recovery from a severe injury inspired the philosophy behind the book: even a 1% improvement each day can lead to transformative results over time.

Clear emphasizes the importance of focusing on systems and environments rather than ultimate goals to sustain long-term positive change.

The book has proven a valuable tool for readers seeking to overcome challenges like quitting smoking or losing weight while fostering self-understanding and improved quality of life.

"My Sweet Orange Tree" by José Mauro de Vasconcelos 

A poignant tale of resilience and innocence, My Sweet Orange Tree introduces Zezé, a young boy who finds solace in an orange tree amid the hardships of his life.

This Brazilian classic, translated into more than 20 languages and adapted into film, resonates with readers for its emotional depth and tender storytelling.

Author José Mauro de Vasconcelos wrote the novel in just 12 days, drawing from his own challenging childhood in Brazil, making it a deeply personal and relatable work.

"Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman

Daniel Kahneman, a Nobel laureate in Economics, explores the dual systems of human thought: the instinctive, rapid System 1 and the deliberate, analytical System 2.

By delving into how these systems shape decision-making and the common errors they produce, Kahneman offers readers a powerful framework for understanding human behavior.

While the book’s dense content may be challenging for some, its practical insights into psychology and decision-making have made it a must-read for Vietnamese audiences.

"Man's Search for Meaning" by Viktor Emil Frankl

In this deeply moving memoir, Viktor Emil Frankl recounts his harrowing experiences in Nazi concentration camps during World War II.

The book explores the profound human ability to find meaning even in the direst circumstances, encapsulated in Frankl’s belief: “Those who have a ‘why’ to live can bear almost any ‘how.’”

A pioneer of Logotherapy, Frankl devotes half the book to this therapeutic approach, which emphasizes the pursuit of meaning as a central aspect of mental health.

With over 16 million copies sold and translations into 52 languages, the book continues to inspire readers worldwide.

"Nexus: A brief history of information networks from the Stone Age to Artificial Intelligence" by Yuval Noah Harari

Yuval Noah Harari’s latest work examines the evolution of human communication, from early language networks to the digital age dominated by artificial intelligence.

Combining history, science, and philosophy, Harari explores humanity’s turning points and the potential transformations technology may bring to human identity.

The New York Times described Nexus as both entertaining and unsettling, capturing its thought-provoking narrative on the challenges of a rapidly advancing future.

Minh Chau